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Holmes Educational State Forest
1299 Crab Creek Rd #8440, Hendersonville, NC 28739, United States
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An
Review №1

Holmes Forest is unique in that the trails are relatively easy for children and accessible. There is much to inspire the imagination and engage them, from exhibits including a Huey helicopter and a real fire tower to audio kiosks along the path that explain how to identify trees. The Talking Tree and Crab Creek trails are lovely and will take at most 2 hours if hiked at a very leisurely pace.

ju
Review №2

Amazing educational experience, what a hidden gem, this educational forest have some great attractions that I never seen before, I felt like I was transported to a different era in history, really informative and the exhibitions were great the trails were maintained.

St
Review №3

Beautiful park, good hikes of different lengths. Talking trees hike is a great way to learn about the forest and variety of trees. Usually not as busy as Dupont picnic tables are available for lunch.

Sa
Review №4

Wildflowers galore! I felt like I was walking in a fairy forest. I went shortly after a rain shower and the plants were glistening. There are small water falls to see too. Another new discovery for me. There is one longer hike a several shorter trails to walk. Lots of interpretive signs too. The Talking Tree trail has these educational stops where you can listen to a talking tree to learn fun facts about the forest. Dogs on leach are welcome. I imagine lots of schools come here for field trips. Ill be returning for sure!

Ad
Review №5

A quiet park nestled at the foot of a mountain, Holmes is a wonderful place to experience the outdoors and hike. There are numerous exhibits and informational signs scattered throughout the park (hence the name Educational) that really make this park a unique place to check out. They have a decent range of trails, from leisurely (and flat) trails that never stray too far from the parking lot, to the Forest Demonstration trail: a long and winding path that climbs and winds around the park. It is also a great place to have a family/small church group picnic. Small point of interest: there are numerous Eagle Scout projects throughout the park as well (one of them is mine) that are fun to find.

Ro
Review №6

Trails are well maintained and offer a good workout. We did a 5 mile strenuous hike.

Da
Review №7

Great hike up and down the mountain. Unfortunately Wildcat Trail is closed due to very large trees in the path. Talking trees are good for kids.

Ry
Review №8

Beautiful trails, and information posts that tell you about the trees in the area. I will be returning soon.

E.
Review №9

A vastly under utilized resource of Transylvania and Henderson County. One of the premier places to see wildflowers in Western NC. Lots of trails, exhibits, and picnic areas. A shelter thats available for free and a youth campsite that is also free to use. Skip the crowds at DuPont and Pisgah and experience nature as it should be, with no lines and no admission fees.

Je
Review №10

Great educational state forest with well maintained facilities and trails. Has several displays including a for tower, bulldozer and fire plow, helicopter, and it is also home of the talking tree trail.

An
Review №11

Wonderful, beautiful, magical and educational. my kids loved even in a cold day like today about 36 degrees.

Le
Review №12

What a beautiful place to spend the day! Lots of areas for picnics, and wonderful trails to hike!

KL
Review №13

Gorgeous day hikes and lots of educational information. The Rangers truly made this an exceptional point of interest.

Pa
Review №14

Great place for a family hike.

Ka
Review №15

Great place to spend the day and learn about nature.

La
Review №16

Been coming here for almost 10 years to camp and hike with our scouts. We actually drive over 3 hours just to come to Holmes.

Da
Review №17

Great place to hike.

Le
Review №18

Has talking trees

Ca
Review №19

Beautiful views and great trails.

Information
100 Photos
19 Comments
4.8 Rating
  • Address:1299 Crab Creek Rd #8440, Hendersonville, NC 28739, United States
  • Site:http://ncesf.org/holmes.html
  • Phone:+1 828-692-0100
Categories
  • State park
  • Education center
  • Forestry service
  • Hiking area
  • Nature preserve
  • Park
  • National forest
  • Tourist attraction
Working hours
  • Monday:Closed
  • Tuesday:9am–5pm
  • Wednesday:9am–5pm
  • Thursday:9am–5pm
  • Friday:9am–5pm
  • Saturday:10am–6pm
  • Sunday:10am–6pm
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible car park:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
Amenities
  • Good for kids:Yes
  • Public toilet:Yes
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